Hargreaves had hinted strongly he would offer Yeoman a new deal before he confirmed it this week, and the player said: “It’s good to get it all signed, so I can have a holiday knowing exactly what I’m coming back to.

“I do believe I have improved as a player, and I’ve always been confident that I can score goals, but I’m sure the manager is trying to sign other players, so there will be plenty of competition for places.

“Everyone starts pre-season on a level playing field, and I’ll be concentrating on coming back in good shape.”

Hargreaves has transfer-listed two under-contract forwards, Karl Hawley and Elliot Benyon, so transforming his striking roster is clearly a top priority.

Hargreaves has also offered new deals to goalkeepers Michael Poke and Martin Rice, long-serving captain Lee Mansell, fellow midfielder Damon Lathrope and winger Niall Thompson (six months), while left-back Tom Cruise has been invitated to prove his fitness in pre-season.